No comments about Chinese Propaganda Posters.

5 comments about Everyday Fashions of the Thirties As Pictured in Sears Catalogs (Dover Books on Costume & Textiles).

1. This is another useful research book, like all the ones that I've seen in this series, it's a valuble source for pictures of middle class, everyday clothes. It has pictures of women's accessories and shows some men's and children's clothes, which many period fashion books tend to ignore. Highly practical book for theatrical costumers.



2. I own four books in this 'Searies' (Twenties, Thirties, Forties, Fifties) and I cannot recommend them highly enough. They are jam-packed with a great mix of pictures in good proportion which show the morphing of fashions over the decade(s). Dominant are women's clothing (formal, casual, dresses, hats, coats, shoes, with some undergarments, sportswear, nightwear, swimwear). Then there are smatterings of accessories (handbags, watches, gloves, powder compacts, belts, jewelry). Also some menswear and a small amount of childrenswear. All clothing is being worn.
   
   All pictures are black and white and have a certain (pleasant) level of graininess. What you get are the original pictures, prices and descriptions from the catalogs. There is only a very small amount of introductory material (just a one page 'Publisher's Note' for the Thirties).
   
   Changes over the series:
   The transition from drawings (all very good and realistic) to photos occurs in the Thirties.
   The variety of accessories appearing in the Twenties is largely reduced by the later decades (Fifties almost exclusively clothing and hats with some shoes).
   
   There's only one problem with these catalogs...you can't order the contents!



3. Purchased this book soon after it was published in a Baltimore art museum.
   
   Modern Fashions and hairstyles today reveal absolute mediocrity. No style. No class. More to offend the eye than to please. Trousered females with short cropped hair and men whose hair is unkept wearing garments ill made. Swimsuits that leave nothing to the imagination worn by people who one just wishes were not visable because they keep themselvs as they do their awful cloths.
   
   This book is a treat to the eye. Wonderful cloths that show modern apparel was not alawys the norm.
   
   For the student of History this book is a valuable source of information on the cloths of the period, for which I purchased my copy. No scoloarly work but merely taken from the Sears catalogs of the time. Undergarments and accessories, shoes to hats, everything is shown here.



4. I have to agree with the other reviewers. Modern fashion tends to look "dumbed down". I've owned this book for some time and refer to it often. Not to copy, necessarily; but to find inspiration. There are clothes available that still look "classic". Many of the original Sears pictures were in color but are reproduced here in b&w. Many of the reproductions have an overly fuzzy look. I suppose that's why the book is only $15 instead of 2 or 3 times as much. The Schiffer Sears series has sharp color images but you pay twice as much. You could buy the original Sears catalogs on eBay (I have a few) for even more. Your choice. This book will give you a good overview of the fashion changes during the decade and you can take it from there. Also of note are the accessories. A New Deal/FDR watch! A Buck Rogers watch! This isn't camp, either, but back in the days when this was serious stuff. Highly recommended!



5. If you want a comprehensive book that immerses you in the world of fashion from the thirties, this is the one. It is authentic and beautifully laid out and depicts numerous costume items from the thirties, though mostly focusing on women. The pictures depict everything from dresses to shoes, hats to gloves; the women's hairstyles, makeup, undergarments, and overall looks give the reader the most authentic possible view of fashion and the aesthetic ideals of the time. The catalogue also shows the prices and features descriptions that include fabric and color. There are some pictures of men's and children's fashions. This book is thorough and unbelievably beautiful. The whole series of Sears catalogue fashions by decade is amazing. I recommend them all!

5 comments about The Craft of the Japanese Sword.

1. This is the book which introduce many people outside Japan to understand modern Japanese sword making. It also helped Yoshindo Yoshihara to become one of the most recogniseble face amongst swordmakers in the West. Even so one must point out that although Yoshindo is very highly ranked in Japan he is by no means the finest swordmaker as we speak. His brother Shoji Yoshihara (who appeared in the Last Samurai)is considered more skillful and he is not alone amongst swordsmiths. However one cannot underestimate the contribution the author and Yoshindo san has made for swords by being involved in this wonderful publication.



2. This book shows how a sword is made following the traditional metods. I loved it!



3. This book is an excellent introduction to Japanese swordmaking by looking at modern masters and how they make swords. If you are just beginning an interest in Japanese swords and how they are made, this is the book for you. The book takes you through the process of forging the blade, polishing, making the habaki and finally the scabard. This book is highly recommended!



4. It's a good book, good information!
   Photos should be color, that's the only thing I don't like!
   But anyway, I like it!



5. An excellent book. It has all you need to know to either understand the craft of the sword or to begin your own explorations into the craft. Or both.Craft of the Japanese Sword is well written and illustrated, with an emphasis on the artisanship and detail of each step in creating these beautiful works. Ken wa hito nari.

5 comments about Where Angels Walk.

1. This book really touched me... I thought it was great.



2. This book will be a relatively satisfactory read for people who have already bought the angel story hook, line, and sinker. If you're looking to be convinced, however, look elsewhere. All this book does is present a bunch of anecdotal stories (most easily resolved through rational investigation, misleading, distorted, or purposefully vague) and claim to have produced irrefutable evidence for the existence of angels. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the whole point of religion was to accept things on faith, without having to prove them empirically. If I were religious, I would find this book somewhat insulting, since it devalues the message of faith and attempts to replace it with shoddy, anecdotal evidence. I did find one disturbing quote on page 7, however: "more than sixty percent of Americans believe wholeheartedly in angels," clearly advancing the idea that something must be true simply because a majority believes it is. This textbook example of a bandwagon fallacy underscores the shoddy reasoning present througout the entire book. If you're looking for something rational, look elsewhere. If you're looking for a good piece of historical fiction, I recommend Orson Scott Card's "Alvin Maker" series.



3. Miracles do happen, you just have to look for them sometimes. and pray for them. some of the stories make me cry because it is truly heart-touching how God & his angels protect us and we wonder why bad things happen to others? but we aren't to question God for he has everything planned.



4. As the past proprietress of an Angel Store, we sold this book by the truck load. This book is one of the greatest books ever published about the true existence of angels walking beside us. Ms. Wester Anderson writes with authority, and conviction, and with great style that keeps the reader interested in this intriguing subject. All reviews of this book by my clientelle were very positive. To this day, I still pull this great read from the shelf of my personal library. It gets a 10 from me.



5. This is one of the best books of true stories that I have ever read. This exciting collection of people's encounters with angels serves to remind us that angels DO exist, and that they are DAILY at work in our lives. The Bible says, "Are they [angels] not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" - Hebrews 1:14 This book can serve to strengthen anyone's faith. I enjoyed it so much that it didn't take me long to read it. I highly recommend it.

5 comments about Hot Wheels Variations: The Ultimate Guide (Hot Wheels (Krause Publications)).

1. I just got got this book today and It was more than I expected there were tons and tons of pictures, mr. zarnock give yourself a pat on the back because you did one heke of a job.



2. If you collect variations of Hot Wheels, you have probably heard of the Godfather of Variations, Michael Zarnock. This guy is nuts about variations and has put together one of the top 3 Hot Wheels collector books ever published. I love the book and have loved it since volume 1 because it has fantastic Blue Card identification pictures and very accurate price guide. If you don't know if a variation is real or fake, just check the Grail, it will let you know if you are dealing with fraud or not. In other words, if it is not in this book you are probably not dealing with a variation. Indispensible to a serious Hot Wheel collector. Gratzi, Don Zarnock.



3. Awesome very fast shipping. Arrived in excellent condition. Will buy from again. Thanks so much.



4. I find this book extremely helpful in listing a very large percentage of the current (1989 onwards) Hot Wheels variations. The book follows on from the earlier editions and I find it a very useful refererence source.



5. This was purchased for our 4 year old who is a major Hot Wheels fan. He and dad pour through the colorful photographs and line up all their cars that match those found in the book. I am sure from a collectors point the information of the value along with the detailed picture would be very useful. It is a nice thick, heavy paged book that will be around this house for a long time.

2 comments about Lincoln Cents Folder #2, 1941-1974.

1. holds the coins in nice and snug. kids love this. best advise get a magnifying glass to read the coinsand mint marks



2. My son (7) loved collecting the state quarters so now we're expanding into collecting other coins. This Penny folder was the perfect next step! He also got Dime and Nickel books from his uncle and he and his father sit around with his piggy bank going through the change to fill these books up! And they are so inexpensive, we will be getting more.

5 comments about Collector's Guide to Pez: Identification and Price Guide, 3rd Edition.

1. Buy something else with your hard earned money,my friend.I have been involved with Pez since the 50's and I am tired of the constant profiteering.Ed Haas must be turning over in his grave,my friend.



2. Being a personal friend of Shawn Peterson would probably leave you with the notion that I have a biased opinion. Having known him for a number of years and knowing his passion for collecting PEZ, I assure you that a significant amount of time, effort, and research went into this book. In reading a couple of, what I feel are unwarranted, negative reviews of this book I'd wholeheartedly disagree with their assessment. This is an outstanding book of reference with excellent photography and informative narrative. I recommend it to anyone in the hobby, or anyone simply wanting to reflect back to their childhood and reminiscing about a much simpler time in life. He's done an outstanding job in assembling an historic perspective of the company, rare and unusual dispensers, as well as common variety and new offerings. Buy with confidence and enjoy!



3. Although it's not a highly competitive category, this book takes the top spot in Pez guides.
   Being the newest, it has the most up to date pictures, prices and products.
   The extended section on candy packs, and Pez paper products/inserts is helpful, as other books lacked in that departement.
   Overall it's a solid price and picture book, with accurate estimates and such. It's the best of what's out there, so it's worth a shot.



4. Many people like myself collect Pez dispensers. It is a wonderful hobby to have because it is virtually impossible to find every variation of every dispenser there is. Sometimes there are many different variations of a single dispenser, for example the colors that were made. This is where this guide comes in handy. In here you will find colorful pictures of almost every known dispenser made, along with pictures of some different variations. This helps you know what you are looking for when you want a certain dispenser. Listed also are estimated values of the dispensers, which is also helpful in giving you an idea of what that certain dispenser will cost you normally. Also pictured in this book are different inserts from the packages, different displays that were available, different flavor packs that have been packaged with the dispensers and even Pez with unique or foreign packaging. This is a great book for collectors and even those who are a little interested in Pez dispensers. The pictures and information make it easier to know what you are looking for, so if you are looking to collect Pez I recommend this guide as it will be a big help to you.



5. Shawn Peterson's Collector's Guide to Pez is filled with useful information on prices and availability of almost every Pez dispenser ever made. Along with wonderful, colorful photos and great details, Peterson has included great information for both beginning and advanced collectors of Pez products. His information on convention, collectors groups, and bargain hunting are particularly useful as a resource. In a hobby as fun and varied as Pez collectiong is, a great tool is needed. Peterson's text is the Bible for lovers of Pez both young and old. This is the only book you need whether you are a new collector or an old pro. It is definetly worth the money and will be a great addition to your growing Pez collection.

5 comments about Art Deco Fashion.

1. So many books out there on the subject of historical clothing are over priced and has pictures printed in black and white, with text making up the bulk of the book.
   So I was suprised when this book came from Amazon... you get a hardback full colour well writen book with beautiful pictures, art and information.
   Thankfully, the V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum, UK) played a large role in the book. They are the foremost authority on historical clothing, of any period.

   Not only does it cover clothing, it goes on to talk and illustrate deco hair tips, sporting fashions, 20's designers from A-Z, fashion icons and much more.

   A beautiful book worth every penny.




2. Fabulous, simply fabulous!!!
   If you have any interest in fashion history, the roaring '20s, or beauty, itself, then this glorious little tome is for you.
   Compact and precise, filled with incredible images, you will drink it in and look to it again and again.
   A treasure!



3. Great coffee table book or as a reference for 1920's fashion. Includes sketches and actual photos from the time-period. I used it as inspiration for decorations for a 1920's theme wedding.



4. This book would have been better titled Art Deco Fashion of the 1920s. If you are interested in the entire span of art deco fashion that includes the 1930s, this isn't the book for you. Although the inside jacket says it was written to coincide with a major exhibition Art Deco 1910-1939, the 30s are all but forgotten.
   If you are looking fr a book that covers fashion of the entire period, look elsewhere.



5. I was very impressed with this publication. The illustrations were amazing. If you like art deco fashion and illustrations, then you will enjoy this book.

5 comments about Cherrypickers' Guide to Rare Die Varieties of United States Coins: Half Dimes Through Dollars, Gold, and Commemoratives (Official Whitman Guidebook).

1. Nice looking guide. While not new to coin collecting, I am new at finding mint errors. Very informative on double die versus double strike varieties. Detailed pictures on what to look for. Guide includes rarity ratings, 'sell-ability' ratings and more.
   
   I didn't read the description close enough to realize it does not include pennies, nickles, etc., but thats my problem. I will be looking around for volume I though.



2. Excellent and thorough research of rare coins. A "must have" for the serious collectors!



3. I gave this book to my Dad and he loved it. Great info and pictures.



4. It's a nice book for prices and such (I'm no expert on coin books) does have some great photos (in color) and some information that's helpfull. But i find myself all ways turing to "Strike it Rich With Pocket Change".
   
   "TR"



5. I have had this about a month, and have used it extensively for 20th century silver issues. Just learning the angles of identifying doubles, recut dies, repunched mint marks, etc. makes this book worth it. I found some sections of no use - such as the extremely rare coins (gold, seated dollars) but the 20th century silver (Dimes, Quarters and Halves) very interesting and enlightening as well as the section on Morgan dollars. If you have a few rolls of Washington Quarters or Mercury Dimes (even circulated) you can probably pay for this book by just going through them for varieties.

5 comments about Goldmine Price Guide to 45 Rpm Records.

1. I have found this to be the most informitive book on 45's that I have ever read. Not only does it give you a guideline on the value of the records in your collection, but it also gives you information on the artists such as other groups the artist has been with and the groups that have changed their names over their careers



2. Has just about every record ever made with its corresponding value. Only thing not listed are instrumentals.



3. Not relevant for todays market !
   I whis I could buy some of the soul, garage and freakbeat records listed there for the prices they estimate !! And the mainstream records are listed too high ! Buy the Jerry Osbourne price guide instead !!
   (and the colour section section pages fell out after one read)
   Avoid this !



4. over and over,neelys guides come out faithfully showing all the wonderfull records you would love to own,stating decent prices anyone would wanna pay for them ..and then hits you in ther gutt by telling you they arent worth a third of that amount to dealers.
   when it comes to books like these everyone suddenly becomes a dealer.
   or else the near mint pricing is all anyone looks at.
   its a good book but its repetitive of all the other books hes done.and in fairness,all the other writers books too who do yearly record guides.
   and when it comes to showing scans of rare records..welp..it looks good but it doesnt make me wanna run out and buy them.
   in other words a collector can own one of these..preferably this book..and never buy another one because the info will not change much.
   just the packing and covers.
   still..a good xamas gift ands hard work involved.



5. This book is a fantastic resource for any collector, especially an amateur like me. After I learned how to "read" the entries, it was very easy to get the information I needed, and I learned quite a lot about the valueof the records I grew up with, as well as the picture sleeves which are often worth far more than the vinyl!